How Well Informed Are Our Elected Representatives on Farming Matters?

Recently I attended a local NFU meeting organised by the two Dorset Conservative MP’s Richard Drax and Chris Loader.  They organised a meeting with Mark Spencer who was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in September 2022.

As always with a regional MP meeting the floor was open and many topics were debated on countryside matters.  The usual update on DEFRA matters was covered by Mr Spencer before more details were discussed on the main issues currently facing farmers in Dorset.  The Poole Harbour nitrate problems were raised by the NFU to which it appeared the minister has limited knowledge.  The ongoing dealings with the Environment Agency and in particular the aggressive nature this organisation has had towards individual farmers was raised.  The minister appeared to take on board the raised concerns and although not directly involved with the EA he promised to investigate the matter within his party.  He thanked the floor for raising the issue and I think this just highlights the isolated nature that the farming community feels in this matter.  It is vitally important that experiences are shared and groups work together to push back against the EA and stand up to the bullying tactics of blaming the agricultural industry for the quality of water across the country.  Don’t be subject to threatening letters, pick up the phone share your experiences and take advice on what can be done and the support available in dealing with compliance measures.  The issue is not going to go away but there is support available both in grants and through advice that will help businesses navigate a path through this difficult time.

The minister then went on to try and reassure those in the room of the scrutiny he is placing on the supply chain and in particular holding supermarkets to account on matters such as, product sourcing, fair pricing, and correct labelling.  The floor appreciated this constant battle and evidence was told of recent examples of supply chains breaking down particularly in the pig and poultry industries.  These are the sectors where volatility of pricing is extreme and due to the relatively shorter process of delivering the product from farm enterprise to the supermarket shelf, decisions can be made quicker which alter the supply volume of product onto the market.  Mr Spencer reassured the room that DEFRA is aware of the knife edge of which food supply sits and with ever demanding uses for agricultural land, the issue of food security is never far away from ministers’ minds.

Contact David at dgreen@fcgagric.com or Tel: 07984 785190, if you have had interactions with the EA or other bodies where you are being asked for action plans with timelines following farm inspections.  We are here to help you look at issues and help solve problems with an outside independent view.